InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Pride & Predjudice: A Sesshomaru Tale ❯ In Dying We Are Born ( Chapter 27 )

 

Chapter Twenty Seven

In Dying We Are Born

 

Warning citrus ahead!

Sesshomaru rented the entire tenth floor of the Yachtsman so everyone had their own room except Rin and Kanna. Rin swore to Kagura that it would be okay. Kagura was uncertain.

Rin touched her elbow. “Hey don't worry; you got me on your side.”

Kagura said, “Do I now?”

Rin smiled, “Sure do and I've had experience in the Naraku department.” She glanced away for a moment then looked back up at Kagura. “I think Kanna and I have a lot to talk about.”

Kagura wasn't convinced. “There won't be any sneaking out or running away?”

Rin frowned. “Hell no, you know what Sesshomaru-sama would do to me?”

Kagura laid it on the line, “That didn't seem to stop you earlier tonight.”

Rin shrugged, “That was different I was with Inuyasha. Believe me I know the limit and how far I can push it.”

Kagura gave in. “Yeah I can see that.”

Rin left with Kanna and Kagura felt a hand on her shoulder. She watched the girls go up in the elevator and Sesshomaru commented. “Don't worry. I'm having their room watched.”

Kagura turned her head and saw he was resting his chin on her shoulder. “You always know the right thing to say.”

He smiled and pressed his lips against her neck. “It's a gift.”

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Kagura wasn't surprised when she learned Sesshomaru expected her to stay with him. She was surprised when she discovered he'd rented the penthouse. “Why so much for just a short trip?”

He winced and put his hand to his temple. “We need a break from everyone and this will give us some peace. I'm unplugging everything but the cell phone and locking the door.”

Kagura leaned on his shoulder and put her hand on his arm. “Sounds great!”

 

Once inside the spacious apartment Kagura indulged in the longest, hottest shower of her life. She scrubbed her body with a loaf trying to purge herself of the day's events, but no such luck.

When she was dry she pulled on the long button up shirt Sesshomaru had left out for her and climbed into bed. It was empty but the patio doors stood open and she saw the Pacific Ocean slapping against the dark beach. He must be out there watching the ocean. I'll let him be; surly he needs some time to himself after…

The cool sheets were heaven against her skin. She'd spent the last three days running on adrenaline and now she came crashing down. Her eyes closed and her sleep was dreamless.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

 

Inuyasha sat on the patio of the hotel bar contemplating his frothy pint of Killian's Red. His head hung over the counter as he watched the ocean tide recede from the beach.

The stool beside him squeaked and he looked up and saw Kagome. She signaled to the bartended. “One Corona please.”

He nodded and slid a cold bottle down to her. Kagome caught it and squeezed her slice of lime into the clear bottle. Inuyasha held his breath waiting for her to take her drink and leave. But no such luck.

Her cool voice broke the silence. “So come here often?”

He huffed. “Keh! As if.”

Kagome ignored his rude reaction. “It's almost two. I thought the bar closed at one.”

Inuyasha kept his eyes straight ahead. “I bribed the barkeep.”

Kagome tossed her hair back. “Ah. So would that be an advantage that comes from having money or a dangerous reputation?”

He turned one golden eye in her direction but said nothing.

She sighed and took a sip from her beer. “I was just making conversation. The ocean wasn't loud enough for me.”

“Apparently.” His claw traced the rim of his draft glass. “Kagome, what game are you playing?”

Her chin titled up in surprise. She hadn't expected him to call her out so soon. “I'm just glad we got Kanna back and you are the only other person still awake. I was too worked up to sit in my room alone.”

A cruel smile tugged at his lips. “Really and that's it?”

Kagome's eyes found his and she took a deep breath then said casually. “After everything that's happened tonight I've realized something.”

He ground his teeth and studied his shoes. “And what would that be?”

Kagome put her hand on his chin turning his face up towards her. “Life is too short to get caught up in stupid details. I want you and I'm going to fight for you.”

His eyes narrowed in suspicion. What the hell is she gonna do to me? “What?”

She smiled coyly as she pushed her lime down the glass bottle neck and watched it splash down into the pale beer. “You heard me.”

His claws dug into the soft wood of the bar top. “Hey that isn't fair.”

Kagome leaned in closer. “Alls fair in love and war.”

Inuyasha grumbled. “Humph. Well don't expect to win.

She whispered, “Sometimes the battle is bigger than the war.” Then Kagome put her hand behind his head and pushed his lips onto hers.

Inuyasha saw her hand move but it was too late. He pulled back but the taste of her was too inviting to abandon. His hands grabbed her waist as he stood pulling her into his arms. These past months left him starving for her touch.

Kagome's lips opened and he accepted the invitation, plundering her mouth with a ferocity that curled her toes.

Inuyasha came up gasping for air and pulled back studying his grinning Kagome. “Wench…that was outta line.”

She chuckled, “Wench! Is that a word you picked up from growing up with the cavemen? I mean you are SO old after all.”

He growled and latched onto her neck leaving a trail of punishing kisses down to her collar bone. Kagome's hands ran through his hair and found his soft ears.

The bartender slammed an empty mug down on the counter top. “Hey you two, get a room already!”

Kagome blushed then impetuously announced. “Great idea, thanks!” She grabbed Inuyasha's hand and pulled him from the patio to the elevator.

Once the doors closed his hands were up her shirt and fumbling with the catch on her bra. Kagome tweaked his ears and pulled open his shirt. The elevator was slow and the doors unexpectedly opened on the fifth floor.

An elderly retired couple was shocked to find the car already occupied by a half dressed woman with waist length raven hair straddling a shirtless silver haired man with Siberian husky ears. Inuyasha opened one golden cat eye and the man's eyes widen behind his thick glasses while his wife repeatedly punched the button for the next elevator car.

The door shut with a clang and Kagome murmured against Inuyasha's lips. “They got more than they bargained for.”

His head moved down her chest as he whispered, “So did you.” Inuyasha's tongue found her breast and then she was forced to agree.

Kagome gasped and retaliated by taking the edge of his right ear in her teeth. “You know I bet they have umm cameras in here.”

Inuyasha's hand slipped up under her skirt and his fingers brushed against the lace of her panties. “Do you care?”

Kagome was breathless. “When you put it that way…no.”

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

The security guard in the basement stood watching the small screen with his jaw open. Of course he'd seen things like this before but these two were dropping clothing faster than his teenager daughter on a shopping binge. He dialed the manager.

“Sir, we've got a serious problem in elevator car six.”

The night manager frowned and switched on the monitor in his office. “Oh. I see.”

“Should I give them a warning or just kick em out?”

The manger answered honestly. “That man is a hanyou from the Inu family. Do whatever you want, but you proceed at your own risk.” Then he disconnected the line and cut off the camera.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Sesshomaru stood in the patio door way studying the sleeping woman. The penthouse has three bedrooms but she chose to stay with me. I didn't even have to ask. After what she witnessed I had no expectations.

His cell phone buzzed in the pockets of his dress pants. He flipped it open and raised a brow at the caller id display.

“Inu Sesshomaru-sama?” asked a feminine voice in a business tone.

“Speaking” he glanced at the clock and was surprised. Two in the morning. Someone is staying up late these days.

“Please hold for the president.”

He waited and soon a smooth Texan accent came across the line. “I hear you're to be commended on a job well done.”

“Thank you sir, it was my honor.” Sesshomaru's posture straightened even though he was alone on the patio.

“Did you have…err...visual confirmation that he is no longer a threat.”

Sesshomaru smiled. The president always had such a way with words. He studied his freshly scrubbed claws. “Yes. But I would appreciate it if you smoothed things over with the locals. The feds never arrived and there will be…paperwork.”

“Consider it done. Ya know I'd love to have ya over to the ranch like ya deserve but these things need to be kept quiet. You're more effective that way.” He was sincerely apologetic.

Sesshomaru wasn't a fan of barbeque so he wasn't particularly disappointed. “I understand and you know I am not fond of the press.”

He laughed. “Well it's late. Thanks again and give my best to Rin.”

“Yes sir.” And he was gone.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Rin leaned her chair against the wall and propped her feet up on the porch railing. Kanna sat inside the small living room staring at a blank TV.

Rin took a long drink of sweet, cold orange soda and watched the patio bar below. She watched Kagome take Inuyasha by the hand and pull him away after a passionate embrace. Rin sighed, crushed her empty soda can and tossed it in the tiny trash can beside her chair.

“Kanna it's official, everyone cept us is off doing the nasty.”

Kanna looked out to the open sliding glass door. “Ewww how can you even think that?”

Rin shrugged. “Cause it's true.”

“Koga and Starch probably aren't.”

Rin gave an evil grin. “I dunno Koga's still in jail. Anything's possible.”

Kanna's eyes widened and Rin quickly added, “He's tough though so I'm sure he's fine.”

Kanna sighed. “I just feel so used and stupid. I almost got everyone I care about killed for a stupid man who didn't even like me.”

Rin shrugged. “Naraku is, I mean was, very charming. It's easy to believe him, he was an accomplished liar.”

Kanna punched the pillow beside her on the couch. “Really? And what would you know about him?”

Rin bit her lip. “Because when I was fifteen I eloped with him.”

Kanna stood up from the couch and walked outside to lean on the rail. Her short silver hair blew in the breeze. “You're making that up.”

Rin shook her head. “God I wish.”

“So are you divorced, annulled or what?”

Rin laughed, “Sesshomaru-sama beat us to the alter, thank God. That man was seriously unbalanced but it seemed like a great idea at the time. He made me feel special, like the whole world revolved around just me.”

Kanna closed her eyes. I couldn't have described it better myself.

“Kagura shot him while he was holding me. He had his hand in my shirt and she just did it…”

Rin thrived off facts and was often misconstrued as callus. “So where'd she hit him?”

“His left shoulder…”

“Sounds like a flesh wound but I don't remember the police walking him out of the Gay Dolphin.”

Kanna shuddered. “I don't think he walked away. He was alive when I left. Sesshomaru was standing over him. Kagura stayed.”

Rin's brows shot up. “Oh.”

“What do you mean oh?” Kanna pressed.

Rin reached into the tiny styrofoam cooler, pulled out another cold orange soda and popped the top. “It's obvious. Sesshomaru-sama killed him.”

Kanna had suspected this but until now wasn't able to say the words. “He would do that?”

Rin leaned back. “Honey he ain't the Taiyokai for nothing.”

Kanna sat in stunned silence. Rin glanced over. “What's wrong?”

“He killed Naraku…for me” She fought to accept it.

Rin laughed, “Partly but it was mostly because he just needed to be gone. It's not like anyone will miss him. Ya know here in South Carolina the words `He needed killing' are still a viable defense.”

Kanna sat on the tiny iron chair beside Rin and held her hands together between her knees. “That's the first time I've heard that.”

Rin put her arms behind her head as she surveyed the dark beach. A couple of drunken teens played in the surf and she was filled with the insane urge to join them. “Well in this circle that philosophy is alive and well.”

Kanna snorted. “You make it sound like this is a club or something.”

Rin smiled. `'It is and don't look now but you're our newest member!”

Kanna frowned. “What?”

Rin raised her hands above her head and began chanting. “One of us! One of us! One of us!”

Kanna protested, “Stop that! That movie is so freaking creepy.”

Rin dropped her hands and returned to her soda. “It's true though. You are officially in the House of Inu.”

“So do I get a gang tattoo or something? Cause that would be kinda cool.”

Rin laughed. “Nah but I've suggested it. Sesshomaru-sama dismissed it but only because he has those wicked stripes. He doesn't understand what it's like to be covered in all this plain pink skin.”

Kanna agreed, “Those stripes are cool. Does Inuyasha have any?”

Rin grinned, “Sometimes…” She put an arm across the top of Kanna's chair. “So looks like we are stuck with each other.”

Kanna asked, “We are?”

Rin said, “Oh yeah I forgot, you've been away. Your sister is totaling marrying my guardian-dad.”

“When did this happen?”

Rin shrugged. “To hell if I know, but they are way into each other and I helped him pick out the ring.”

Kanna was stunned. “Wow.” She was captivated by her new situation. Has Kagura done all of this without even telling me? Was it possible that after all this time I might have a new family?

Rin laughed, “Isn't it great and I've been after Sesshomaru-sama to get me a sister for ages.”

Kanna gave Rin a cautious look. “I don't know about you. You look like the type of person who borrows clothing without asking.”

Rin threw up her hands. “Hey what you don't know won't ever hurt ya.”

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Kagura awoke with her head on Sesshomaru's bare chest. He was awake and watching her sleep. She blinked in the sunlight momentarily embarrassed. “What time is it?”

“Just after dawn.” He was utterly relaxed and observed her as a sleepy cat watches a mouse. Kagura's dark hair struck a startling contrast on his pale skin.

She lifted her head. “Why am I awake? God it's much too early.”

Sesshomaru's hand stroked her neck. “How are you feeling?”

Kagura thought for a moment, “Just tired. My throat is nearly back to normal and my head stopped hurting. Those meds the doctor gave me are really something.”

His lips formed a slow smile and he studied her from beneath his thick, silver lashes. “Good. Then I will help you get back to sleep.”

She opened her mouth to ask how but one look at his glowing eyes accompanied by that wicked smile and her stomach fell to the floor.

He sat on his knees before her and began unbuttoning the shirt she'd slept in. Kagura watched him feeling slightly removed from her body. I want this but I still don't know…

Sesshomaru brushed his lips across the base of her throat and whispered, “You promised me anything I wanted as long as Kanna came back to you.”

Kagura brought her fingers to his cheek tracing the outline of his purple stripes. “And your answer was you didn't need a stupid bargain to get what you wanted.”

His laughed softly behind a Cheshire grin, “Clever woman, I think I'll keep you.”

He pulled open her shirt and filled his warm hands with her bare breasts. Kagura gasped. Sesshomaru's lips found her earlobe and he whispered. “So it just remains to be seen…”

He flicked the pad of his thumb across her nipple as she fought to find her voice, “What?”

“Will you have me?” His eyes held a naked honesty that surprised her.

Kagura tried to ignore his hands. “That question is means more than just this one moment doesn't it?”

Sesshomaru kissed her slowly tying to convince her with his lips of words he'd yet to utter. “Yes. I want you in my life.”

She tried to imagine what the rest of her life would be if she turned her back on him. I've never met a more irritating or engaging man. Can I live with what he's done? She thought back to Naraku. I have to because I don't think I could say no to him even if I wanted to. Kagura frowned and pushed Sesshomaru back. “Do you kill all your enemies?”

He tilted his head and a dark mask descended over his face. “Only the ones who've egregiously harmed my loved ones.”

Kagura's eyes filled with tears. Here I go again with the waterworks, what is it about him? She sniffed. “Really?”

Sesshomaru pulled her to him and held her. Her arms wound around his neck and his bare chest pressed against hers. “Really what?”

Kagura's face was only inches from his and she couldn't get the words out. Her lower lip trembled slightly.

The gesture was so out of character for the strong stubborn woman he'd come to know Sesshomaru laughed. “Silly broker, do you have to be told?”

Kagura nodded and he crushed her to him. “I love you more than I should or even know how. Please spend your life beside me.”

Emotion welled inside Kagura's throat with such force she was still unable to speak. Sesshomaru realized she was beyond answering so he leaned off the bed, reached into his open brief case and pulled out a tiny black velvet box. He presented it to Kagura who held it in her hand staring at the tiny gold letters scrawled across the top of the ring box.

Bailey Banks & Biddle Jewelers

Her mouth went dry. What ever was in that box cost a fortune. “How did you? When?”

Sesshomaru slid back beside her on the cool cotton sheets. “It's specially designed for you. I ordered it three days ago.”

The tiny box sat heavy in her hand. “That's quite a gamble. You did this after that one date?”

A small smile crossed his lips. “I never gamble unless I know I will win.”

She sighed, “Sesshou than it isn't gambling is it?”

He pulled her into his lap, holding her back to his chest. “Why don't you open it and then we'll see how much of a gamble it was.”

I can't accept this, whatever's in here can't be a cent under ten thousand dollars! What if I lost it? What then? She opened the black velvet box and found a two carat flawless solitaire sapphire in a platinum setting with diamonds in the band. I can't wear this I'll be mugged!

Sesshomaru put his hands on her arms peering over her shoulder carefully gauging her reaction. “Read the note.”

Kagura pulled a tiny engraved card from the ring box. My love for you like the wind is eternal. Sesshou.

Once again he hadn't played fair and he'd won. A single tear ran down her cheek. Sesshomaru rested his chin on her shoulder and wiped the tear away with a clawed finger.

“I…don't know what to say.” The words spilled from Kagura's lips. No one has ever seen me the way you do.

She was truly torn. Had she'd ever taken a chance like this without thoroughly thinking it through or making a list of the pros and cons? Hell she even asked for references from Molly's groomer before booking the first appointment. How could she make such a big decision right now? After all, Molly's fur grew back but her heart might not.

Sesshomaru held her waiting for her decision. Soon he grew bored and cupped her breasts tweaking their rosy points while nibbling on her neck just barley skimming the points of his canines over her soft skin. Kagura's pulse raced and she was filled with an undeniable hunger. Her neck muscles went limp and she laid her head back on his shoulder allowing his roaming fingers free range.

“Okay, as long as you don't stop touching me I'll marry you.”

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes and his tone was brisk. “How generous of you to accept.” But Kagura knew he was jesting when he leaned her back and captured her nipple in his mouth. His fingers skimmed her sides then he plucked the ring from the box and slid it on her finger.

Kagura held out her hand in the early morning light admiring the hugely ostentatious ring. It was over the top and something she never would have picked out on her own. She loved it.

Sesshomaru bent over her and she brought her lips willingly to his. He pulled her shirt free while her hands roamed the plains of his chest exploring every inch within her reach. He growled in response to her touch and settled between her knees hooking her legs over his hips. Kagura ran her hands down the dip of his lower back and then down over his dark blue boxer shorts.

She said in an innocent voice. “Sesshomaru-sama has anyone ever complimented you on your extraordinary ass?”

He buried his face between her breasts and ground his hard groin against hers. “You would be the first.”

Kagura laughed reveling in the freedom of letting go. Her laughter quickly subsided into a keening when Sesshomaru slipped his long, clever fingers under the thin material of her panties. He found her center and began a motion that quickly erased all her doubts and squashed her inhibitions.

Kagura's eyes began to cross and she threw herself into her passion. She looped the waist band of his boxers around her big toes and pulled them down to Sesshomaru's thighs. She was thrilled to see his purple stripes went all the way down his body.

The image of the great and powerful Taiyokai on all fours with his butt hanging out of his boxers was too much and she broke down into insane giggles. The boxers fell around his knees in a puddle and she reached down running her fingers down the hot length of him. He shuddered, growled then pushed her back onto the bed and moved down her body with his mouth. He tore her panties away with his teeth and proceeded to make her pay for every single giggle that had been had at his expense.

Kagura's eyes rolled back in her head and she waved a hand in the air. “White flag! I give up, you win.”

His strong hands grasped her knees and pulled her closer to his industrious tongue and lips. Sesshomaru sped up the pace pulling a shrill moan from Kagura who squeezed his head between her thighs.

He laughed quietly and nipped the inside of her thigh. “I never imagined you were a screamer.”

Kagura gasped. “I wasn't until today.”

Sesshomaru snorted, “I'll take that as a compliment.”

“Oh please do….”

He finally released her and climbed up her body. Kagura clung to him with all of her limbs and might. Sesshomaru brought his lips down on hers claiming her mouth much as he had her nether regions. Kagura felt him pressing up against her just where she wanted him. She arched her back encouraging him. He pulled back at the last moment and resorted to the lowest sort of blackmail.

“You've accepted my ring but I've yet to hear how you truly feel.” His expression was calm and reserved even if his body was not.

Kagura gasped as he moved against her entrance. She burned for him body and soul. “Are you asking if I love you?”

He answered with his usual unshakable confidence. “Yes.”

Kagura was dizzy with need but still refused to be manipulated. She pushed her hips up forcing him to give in and plunge into her. She wound her legs around his hips meeting his every movement.

He filled her in ways she'd never imagined as she ran her nails across his shoulders. Finally the world faded away and she whispered in Sesshomaru's pointy ear. “I love you madly.”

Kagura fell into the wave of sensation and he wasn't far behind. She cried when she came. Sesshomaru's lips found the spot where her neck connected with her shoulders. When he spilled into her, he sank his fangs into her flesh.

Kagura cried out in shock at the quick but sharp pain. He pulled away from her then held her close. Purple bands wound around the sinew of his arms. His long silver hair draped over her bare skin as his head dipped down and he kissed the wound.

Kagura touched the bite with her finger and saw blood. “What did you do?” Sesshomaru said nothing and she pressed. “Did you mark me?”

He pushed her hair back and kissed her ear, running his tongue down the round edge. “Perhaps.”

Kagura frowned. “Is there any other yokai blood rites I should know about?”

He paused avoiding her searching gaze. “None that I can think of.”

Oh you lying dog…Kagura picked the complementary hotel note pad and pen from the bedside table and scrawled a quick note.

Sesshomaru's forehead wrinkled. “What are you doing?”

She looked up. “Making a note to pick up a few books on yokai traditions; I hate being unprepared.”

A faint smile played across his lips. “I shouldn't have even asked.”

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Notes:

Here is some goofy quote fun. I went overboard I know.

Mark Darcy: [answers the phone] “Hello?”
Bridget Jones: “It's me. Just wondered how you are.”
Mark Darcy: “I'm fine thanks. Everything alright with you?”
Bridget Jones: “Fine, though, er, I've just had a rather graphic shag flashback. You do have a genuinely gorgeous bottom.”
Mark Darcy: “Right, well, thank you. I'm actually with the Mexican Ambassador just at the moment and the Head of Amnesty International and the Under Secretary for Trade and Industry and you're on speakerphone.”
Bridget Jones: “Oh, right.”

Mark Darcy: “As a matter of fact, I have a question to ask you.”
Bridget Jones: Okay. As long as it's not, "Will you marry me?"
[chuckles. Mark looks devastated]
Bridget Jones:” Oh, God... It *is* "Will you marry me?"
Mark Darcy: “Well, I'm not going to say it now.”
Bridget Jones: “No, no, no! Just wait!”
[runs back to the door]
Mark Darcy: “The moment's gone, Bridget.”
Bridget Jones: “We've just come out into the corridor and you say, "I've got a question to ask you" and then I don't say *anything*!”“
[pause]
Bridget Jones: “and you say... “
Mark Darcy: [pause] “Bridget Jones, will you marry me?”

 

Mark Darcy: “Bridget, will you stop? Stop staring at me while I'm asleep. Now, find something to do.”
Bridget Jones: “Sorry.”
[Bridget turns away, only to turn back around again to look at Mark

….Bridget Jones, The Edge of Reason 2004. I know I had the date as 2005 earlier but it was a mistake.

Darcy & Eliza:

``If you will thank me,'' he replied, ``let it be for yourself alone. That the wish of giving happiness to you might add force to the other inducements which led me on, I shall not attempt to deny. But your family owe me nothing. Much as I respect them, I believe I thought only of you.''

Elizabeth was too much embarrassed to say a word. After a short pause, her companion added, ``You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me on this subject for ever.''

Elizabeth, feeling all the more than common awkwardness and anxiety of his situation, now forced herself to speak; and immediately, though not very fluently, gave him to understand that her sentiments had undergone so material a change, since the period to which he alluded, as to make her receive with gratitude and pleasure his present assurances. The happiness which this reply produced, was such as he had probably never felt before; and he expressed himself on the occasion as sensibly and as warmly as a man violently in love can be supposed to do. Had Elizabeth been able to encounter his eye, she might have seen how well the expression of heartfelt delight, diffused over his face, became him; but, though she could not look, she could listen, and he told her of feelings, which, in proving of what importance she was to him, made his affection every moment more valuable.”

….Pride and Prejudice, J. Austin.